Officer Pete Guerin

Pete began his career with the San Jose Police Department in 1965.  He worked Patrol, Internal Affairs, Background Investigations, the Intelligence Unit, the Airport Division and was one the original FTO’s in the FTO Program. Pete played all the normal team sports in high school. After high school, cycling became an interest for Pete. While attending San Jose City College, he joined the Los Gatos Racing Team ( cycling ). In 1980, Pete’s recruit, Wayne Welch began cycling with him and talked him into competing in the California Police Olympics. That year, he competed in his first California Police Olympics in San Diego. He won 4 Gold Medals and a Silver Medal in various Cycling events. That same year, he also competed in the International Police Olympics in New York where he won 3 Gold Medals. After this, Pete competed in every California Police Olympics, several International Police Olympics before ending his competitive Cycling career at the World Police and Fire Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1983, Pete was the Cycling coordinator at the first World Police and Fire Games held in San Jose. Throughout his years of competing, Pete won 11 Gold Medals, 3 Silver Medals and several Bronze Medals in various Cycling events. Pete’s goal was to "Enjoy the events and competitors and to be gracious in victory and honorable in defeat". For his outstanding athletic accomplishments and his dedication to Cycling, Officer Pete Guerin is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Officer Jim Tomaino

Jim was a police officer with the San Jose Police Department for 29 years. He was a member of the San Jose Police Officers Association for 21 years and was President for the last 8 years of his career. In 1978, Jim and a few other officers went to the POA and asked for eight thousand dollars to form a sports organization at the San Jose Police Department. This was the approximate amount the POA contributed each year to fund SJPD sports teams. Jim and these officers went to an attorney for assistance and formed PAAF, the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation. Jim was also the lead force in forming the SJPD tackle football team and the “ Copper Bowl “. The Copper Bowl was a tackle football game between the SJPD football team and other law enforcement teams from throughout California and Nevada. Jim served on the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Board of Directors for several years and also served a term as President. Jim participated in the California Police Olympics competing in Fast Pitch Softball, Slow Pitch Softball and Basketball. Jim was also the quarterback on the SJPD Football team. Jim continued playing Slow Pitch Softball after retiring, winning Gold and Silver Medals at the Western States Police and Fire Games. For having the fore thought and dedication to form the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation, Officer Jim Tomaino is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation hall of Fame.

Sgt. Ralph Garner

Ralph joined the San Jose Police Department in 1970. He worked Patrol, the FTO Program and Internal Affairs. In 1986 he was promoted to Sergeant. Before his police career began, Ralph was active in organized sports including high school and college baseball. Bowling was “ something to do in the winter months “. He began competing in Bowling at the California Police Olympics in the early 1970’s. His longtime teammates included Gary Rosso, Jack Morris, Bill Tate, Nick Muyo, Andy Lane, Pres Winters and had two talented doubles partners, Bob Hollars and later Paul Woo. Ralph and his SJPD teammates were quite successful winning several Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals. Ralph’s medals are numerous:

• 1982 : All Events – Bronze
• 1983 : Singles – Gold, All Events – Gold
• 1984 : Singles – Bronze, Team – Bronze
• 1985 : Singles – Bronze
• 1986 : Open Singles – Gold
• 1987 : Open All Events – Bronze, PBA Roll Off – Bronze
• 1989 : Team – Gold, Open All Events – Bronze, PBA Roll Off – Bronze
• 1991 : Singles – Bronze
• 1992 : Team – Bronze, Open All Events – Bronze
• 1993 : Doubles - Gold
• 1995 : Doubles – Bronze
• 1996 : Singles – Bronze
• 1997 : PBA Roll Off – Gold, Team – Bronze, Doubles – Gold, All Events – Silver
• 1998 : Doubles – Bronze, Singles – Gold, All Events – Bronze
• 1999 : PBA Roll Off – Bronze, Team – Bronze, Doubles – Bronze, All Events – Bronze
• 2000 : Doubles – Gold, Singles – Bronze, All Events – Gold
• 2001 : Team – Gold
• 2004 : Doubles – Bronze
• 2006 : PBA Roll Off – Bronze, Doubles – Bronze, Singles – Silver, All Events – Gold
• 2009 : Open – Bronze
• 2010 : Team – Silver

For his outstanding athletic accomplishments, Sgt Ralph Garner is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Officer Donna Arndt Backman

Donna began her career with the San Jose Police Department in 1983.  She worked Patrol, the Horse Mounted Unit, the FTO Program, the Vice Unit, the Assaults Unit and the Training Unit. In 2002, she decided to lateral to the Palo Alto Police Department. She retired from the Palo Alto Police Department in 2009. Donna began participating in the California Police Olympics and the World Police and Fire Games in 1985. She competed in Tug of War, Cross-Country, Triathlon both women’s and mixed team, Bench Press, Bodybuilding both individual and mixed pairs, 800 Medley Relay in Track and the Toughest Competitor Alive. Here is a list of Donna’s accomplishments :

• 1985 : Tug of War – Gold
• 1988 : Cross-Country – Bronze
• 1990 : Women’s Team Triathlon – Gold
• 1991 : Mixed Team Triathlon – Bronze
• 1992 : Cross-Country – Bronze, Women’s Team Triathlon – Silver
• 1993 : Bench Press – Gold, World Police and Fire Games Bench Press – Silver
• 1994 : Bench Press – Gold, Bodybuilding Mixed Pairs – Gold, Bodybuilding Individual – Bronze
• 1996 : 800 Medley Relay ( Track ) – Gold, Team Cross-Country – Gold, Bench Press – Gold, Cross-Country – Silver, TCA – Individual
• 1998 : Cross-Country – Bronze
• 1999 : TCA – Mixed Pairs – Silver, World Police and Fire Games Bench Press – Gold
• 2000 : Bench Press – Gold
• 2001 : Bench Press – Gold, TCA – Individual – Gold, TCA – Mixed Doubles – Gold, World Police and Fire Games TCA – Mixed Doubles – Silver, World Police and Fire Games TCA – Individual – Silver, World Police and Fire Games Bench Press – Gold
• 2002 : Bench Press – Gold, 800 Medley Relay ( Track ) – Silver
• 2003 : Bench Press – Gold
• 2004 : Bench Press – Gold

17 Gold Medals, 8 Silver Medals, 5 Bronze Medals. For her outstanding athletic accomplishments, Officer Donna Arndt Backman is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Officer Mike Braxton

Mike began his career with the San Jose Police Department in 1994. He has Worked Patrol, the FTO Program, the Metro Unit and the Burglary Unit. He attended George Mason University where in 1982, he was the Jr National Champion in the High Jump and was a Bronze Medalist at the Jr Pan American Games also in the High Jump. In 1985, he was the IC4A’s Champion in the High Jump. Mike has competed in the California Police Olympics, the Las Vegas Games and the Western States Police and Fire Games. He has competed in the High Jump, Decathlon, Shot Put, Discus, Triple Jump, Flag Football, 5x5 Basketball and 3x3 Basketball. Mike has won 7 Gold Medals in the High Jump, 1 Gold Medal in the Decathlon, 1 Gold Medal in the Triple Jump, 2 Silver Medals in the High Jump, 2 Silver Medals in the Shot Put and  1 Silver Medal in the Triple Jump. He has also won Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals in Flag Football and medaled in 3x3 Basketball. Mike still holds the Western States Police and Fire Games Senior "A" record in the High Jump at 6’ 4”. For his outstanding athletic accomplishments, Officer Mike Braxton is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Lt. Todd Martin (Retired)

Todd began his police career in 1975. He worked several units within the San Jose Police Department until he was promoted to Sergeant in 1986. Again, he worked several units as a Sgt until his promotion to Lt. in 2004 before retiring in 2006 after 31 years of service.  Todd attended Del Mar High School where he was All League in Football, All Central Coast in Basketball and Baseball. Todd was drafted out of high school by the San Francisco Giants where he played at the Class “A” level. Todd began competing in the California Police Olympics in 1976 and competed for 20 years. Here is a list of Todd’s accomplishments [download the PDF].  For his outstanding athletic accomplishments, Lt. Todd Martin is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Officer Caren Hare (Retired)

Caren began her career with the San Jose Police Department in 1982. She worked Patrol, the Training Unit, Backgrounds Unit, Court Liaison Unit, the City Attorney’s Office and was a Detective in the Sexual Assault Unit and the Homicide Unit then retired. Caren competed for Pomona College in Swimming and Water Polo. She swam at four Nationals in Division 3, winning several relays. She finished 5th and 7th individually. She was inducted into the Pomona College Hall of Fame in 1992. Caren competed in her first California Police Olympics in 1983.  Caren has competed in several women’s swimming event : 50 Meters Freestyle, 50 Meters Breast Stroke, 50 Meters Fly, 100 Meters Freestyle, 100 Meters Individual Medley. In her first year, she won 7 GOLD medals and set a new California Police Olympics in each event. Throughout her California Police Olympics career, Caren won over 20 GOLD medals, several SILVER medals and several BRONZE medals. In 1983 Caren also competed in the Team Triathlon at the Police Olympics in San Diego with ChaCha Ramon and Diane Harris. Caren was the FIRST person, male or female, out of the water. Together, they won a SILVER medal. Caren also competed in Water Polo in the California Police Olympics. Caren ran on the San Jose Police Department’s Baker to Vegas Relay Team, anchoring the team one year. In 1985, Caren was the Swimming Coordinator for the first ever World Police & Fire Games in San Jose. Coordinating an event at the Wolrd Games is very hard to do. Not only was she the Swimming Coordinator, but she competed also. She won 4 GOLD medals and 1 SILVER medal. She sets World Police & Fire Games records in 4 events.  For her outstanding athletic accomplishments, Officer Caren Hare is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Officer Wendy Hoskin

Wendy started her career with the San Jose Police Department in 1990. She has worked Patrol, Recruiting and Background Investigations. Wendy has played soccer since she was 8 years old and started cycling competitively at age 19. She played soccer and raced bicycles at Cal State Hayward. Wendy began competing in the California Police Olympics from 1991 – 1999. Here is a list of Wendy’s events in the California Police Olympics: Cycling Criterium, Cycling Sprints, Cycling Road Race, Cycling Time Trials, Mountain Bike, Volleyball, Soccer, Team Triathlon. Jet Ski. In 1992, 1993 and 1995, Wendy competed in the International Police Winter Games in the following events: Cross Country 5k Nordic Ski Race, Cross Country 8k Nordic Ski Race, Biathlon Races. In 1993, Wendy competed in the World Police & Fire Games in Colorado Springs, Colorado in: Cycling 800 Meter Sprints, Cycling Criterium, Cycling Road Race, Cycling Time Trials. Wendy was also the Cycling Coordinator for the 2001 California Police & Fire Games held in San Jose. Throughout her competing in the California Police Olympics, the International Police Winter Games and the World Police & Fire Games, Wendy won: 19 GOLD Medals, 14 SILVER Medals, 5 BRONZE Medals. For her outstanding athletic accomplishments, Officer Wendy Hoskin is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Officer William Mason

Bill started his career with the San Jose Police Department in 1986. He has worked Patrol, Recruiting / Backgrounds and was an FTO. Bill has run in several Mercury News 10k races and has competed in 6 Triathlons. Bill began competing in the California Police Olympics in 1987. He has competed in: Bicycling, Road Race, Mountain Bike, Cross Country, Team Triathlon, Body Building. Bill also competed in the Sea Otter Mountain Bike Cross Country Race. This is the largest organized Mountain Bike race in the country with over 10,000 racers. Bill won a BRONZE Medal. Throughout his years of competing, Bill has won: 11 GOLD Medals, 20 SILVER Medals, 17 BRONZE Medals. For his outstanding athletic accomplishments, Officer William Mason in inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Sergeant Frederick Kotto

Fred began his career with the San Jose Police Department in 1996. He has worked Patrol, the Metro Unit and Narcotics. Fred was promoted to Sergeant in 2008 and works in Patrol. Fred was a High School State Track & Field champion in the 400 meter dash. He was a running back for the University of Washington Huskies, who were then ranked # 1 in the country. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry.  Fred also ran Track at the University of Washington. He was one of the top 400 meter sprinters in the world with a personal best of 46.2 seconds. He earned a varsity letter as a true freshman. Months before the 1998 U.S. Olympic Trials, a motorcycle accident destroyed his left knee. Doctors said walking normal would be a challenge and running would be impossible. Having never boxed before, Fred began his boxing career in 1996 under the training of his coach, Sgt Candy Lopez. Here is a list of Fred’s accomplishments:

• 1996 – “Baddest Badge in the Bay” – CHAMPION
• 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 – California Police Olympics – GOLD Medal
• 2000 – USA Boxing Northern California Amateur Championships – CHAMPION
• 2001 – World Police & Fire Games – SILVER Medal

Fred also competed in the U.S. Olympic trials where he suffered the first loss of his career. He also fought in the TV series, “ The Contender”. Fred’s boxing record stands at: 19 Wins, 2 Losses, 17 Knockouts. For his outstanding athletic accomplishments in Boxing, Sergeant Fredrick Kotto is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Captain Diane Urban

Diane began her career with the San Jose Police Department in 1986. She worked Patrol, Merge and the Intelligence Unit. She was promoted to Sergeant in 1993. She worked Patrol, the FTO Program and the Horse Mountain Unit as a supervisor. She was promoted to Lieutenant in 2000 and worked Patrol and the Traffic Investigation / Auto Theft Unit. She was promoted to Captain in 2004. As a Captain, she has worked Patrol, Special Operations and the Bureau of Technical Services. Diane was a 3 – time NCAA Division ll National Champion in the Discus and was All American in the Division l NCAA Championships. She was also a finalist in the USA Track & Field Nationals from 1992 – 1985. She also competed at the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials in Los Angeles. Diane also competed in Olympic Lifting and was the National Champion in 1986. She set a National record in the Clean & Jerk in 1986. Diane has competed in the California Police Olympics, the California Police & Fire Games and the World Police & Fire Games. She has been the World and the State champion in Wrist-Wrestling, going undefeated. She holds records in the Discus and the shot-put.  Diane’s events include: Discus, Shot – Put, Javelin, Hammer Throw, Equestrian, Tug – of – War, Softball, Bench Press. Diane has won over 50 GOLD Medals and more then 100 Medals overall. For her outstanding athletic accomplishments, Captain Diane Urban is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Sgt. Gary Rosso (Retired)

Gary joined the San Jose Police Department in 1963. Gary, along with a few other officers felt it was important to start a program at the San Jose Police Department to help and encourage officers to get involved in sporting events and participation in the California Police Olympics. Gary was the original President of the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation and held that position for 6 years. In 1976, the San Jose Police Department hosted the 10th California Police Olympics. Gary was the Co-Executive Director of the games and was in charge of all athletic events. In 1985, the San Jose Police Department hosted the 1st World Police & Fire Games. There were over 4500 participants from over 15 countries. Again, Gary was the Co-Executive Director and in charge of all athletic events. Gary helped set the standard of excellence for future World Police & Fire Games. For having the fore thought and dedication to form the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation, Sgt. Gary Rosso is the 1st inductee into the Police Amateur Athletic Hall of Fame.

Officer Rod Avery (Retired)

Rod joined the San Jose Police Department in 1971. He joined the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Board of Directors as an original member in 1978, then became the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Secretary in 1980. Rod became President of the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation in 1982. Rod was PAAF President when the San Jose Police Department hosted the 1st World Police & Fire Games. Rod became the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Chief Financial Officer in 1986 and kept this position until 1992. Rod organized the 1st San Jose Police Department soccer team and had them participate in the California Police Olympics in Humboldt County. That first team took a silver medal. Rod and his soccer teams won several Silver and Bronze medals at the California Police Olympics. They also participated in the World Police & Fire Games and the International Police Olympics. Once Rod’s body told him to no longer participate in soccer, he listened and changed to participating in Golf. He and his golf partner, Walt Tibbet won several medals in Golf. For being a major driving force in developing athletics within the San Jose Police Department and for establishing the foundation for success of the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation, Officer Rod Avery is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Assistant Chief Walt Adkins (Retired)

Walt joined the San Jose Police Department in 1969, and in 1997 he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief. Walt participated in his first California Police Olympics in 1970 in Long Beach. He won a Gold medal in the 120 yard High Hurdles and a Bronze medal in the 4x100 Sprint Relay with Fred Dawson, Mike Nichols and Ton Raines. Walt continued competing in Track & Field throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. He went undefeated for several years in the Decathlon, 10 Track & Field events in 2 day competition. International and National Police & Fire Olympic events have taken Walt to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Memphis, Tennessee, Hawaii, Vancouver British Columbia and New York City. At the New York Nationals, Walt won a Silver medal finishing 2nd by 11 inches to a 6’5”, 285 lb New York cop who had been a defensive lineman for the New York Jets. Recently, Walt competed in an AAU sanctioned National Push and Pull weight lifting competition in Las Vegas. He tied for First place in the Open Bench Press in the 60 – 65 age group. He lifted 297 lbs which set a record for all Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters and Military participants. For his outstanding athletic achievements in both Track & Field and in Basketball, Walt Adkins is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Sgt. Jim Spence (Retired)

Jim the San Jose Police Department in 1970 and was promoted to Sgt. in 1981. Jim participated in his 1st California Police & Fire Games in 1971 in San Francisco playing Basketball and Water Polo. As the Police Olympics grew new sports were introduced. Jim played the first year Soccer and Roller Hockey were introduced. Jim is one of only a few that is versatile enough and good enough to have participated in 9 different California Police Olympic events: Basketball, Water Polo, Fast Pitch Softball, Soccer, Decathlon, Slow Pitch Softball, Golf Volleyball and Roller Hockey. Jim medaled in each of these sports. Jim showed his versatility and sports talent by also participating in the International Police Winter Games, the Canadian Ski Championships and the North American Police Ski Championships. He competed in Slalomn, Giant Slalomn and Downhill. These events have taken Jim to Innsbruck, Austria, Whistler, Canada, and Davos, Switzerland. Jim medaled in each of these winter events. Jim has been a charted member of the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation. Jim was elected to the PAAF Board of Directors in 2001 serving a term as Chief Financial Officer. He retired in 2001 and still serves a Director as a member of the PAAF Board. For his outstanding athletic achievements in 9 different Summer Games sports and 3 different Winter Games sports and for his dedication and guidance on the PAAF Board of Directors, Jim is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Sgt. Candy Lopez (Retired)

Candy joined the San Jose Police Department in 1976. Candy was a member of the San Jose Police Department Soccer team for 19 years winning 1 Silver and 5 Bronze medals. As impressive as that is, it pales to his numerous boxing career titles and other sporting accomplishments [download the PDF]. He is the only California Police Olympic competitor to win Gold medals in 3 different decades, the 70’s, the 80’s and the 90’s and the only California Police Olympic competitor to be undefeated over an extended career. Candy was a member of the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Board of Directors from 1983 – 2005, serving a term as Vice-President. For his outstanding Boxing talents in the California Police Olympics, for his outstanding coaching talents with youth in the community, for his outstanding coaching talents with Santa Clara University and San Jose State University and for his outstanding coaching talents with the United States Olympic Team, Sgt. Candy Lopez is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Officer Chacha Ramon

Chacha joined the San Jose Police Department in 1982 and competed in the California Police Olympics for the first time in 1983 in San Diego. Chacha has competed in 16 different California Police Olympics events : 400 meter run, 800 meter run, 5000 meter run, 10k Cross Country Run, ½ Marathon Road Race, 30 Mile Cycling Road Race, Cycling Time Trials, TCA ( Toughest Cop Alive ) Individual Event, TCA ( Toughest Cop Alive ) Team Event with Greg Corver, Triathlon Individual Event, Triathlon Team Event With the late Rich Erickson, Biathlon – Run and Shooting, Volleyball, Softball and Tug of War. Chacha has won 41 Gold, Silver and Bronze California Police Olympic medals. Chacha served on the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Board of Directors from 1988 to 2001, serving a term as Chief Financial Officer. Chacha was the Assistant Executive Director of the 2001 California Police and Fire Games Hosted by the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation and the San Jose Police Department. For her outstanding athletic achievements in 16 different California Police Olympics events, winning 41 medals and for her outstanding work while on the PAAF Board, Chacha is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.

Officer Ron Hughes

Ron joined the San Jose Police Department in 1990. Ron has excelled in Wrestling through High School, Jr. College, college and as a San Jose Police Officer. Ron first competed in the California Police Olympics in 1992. Ron’s wrestling accomplishments / medals are numerous [download the PDF]. In 1994 the California Police Olympics introduced Greco Roman Wrestling as a new event. From 1994 to 2003 and again in 2006, Ron never lost a Greco Roman match going undefeated for 10 years. For his outstanding athletic achievements and for his dedication to the sport of Wrestling, Ron is inducted into the Police Amateur Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.